Mene focused on final
By Nathan Burdon
From STUFF, 5 June 2002


Don't expect a big retirement announcement from Southern Sting captain Bernice Mene after Saturday night's National Bank Cup netball final against the Canterbury Flames.

With the national netballing icon bowing out of international play earlier this year, speculation has been rife the 2002 Sting campaign would be her last.

Mene is a foundation Sting player, one of only four people – including coach Robyn Broughton, Donna Loffhagen and Jo Tapper – who have been there since the first whistle.

"The only thing I'm focused on this week is the final," Mene said yesterday. "People have mentioned it because I think (commentator) Brendan Telfer brought it up on television last weekend, which is interesting because I haven't made any announcements."

Southern TeamCo board member Lee Piper, who handles the franchise's player contracts, said he would sit down with Mene later in the year.

"The whole negotiation process with Bernie has always been on a year by year basis, we have a review of the season, but it never takes place until November, December and it will be the same this year."

Mene was a key component of the Sting set up and Southern TeamCo would do everything to accommodate her, Piper said. "She owes us nothing, she's been an unbelievable ambassador for Southland netball and herself and every year (she plays) is a bonus year for us, as long as she is enjoying it and has the desire to play then the decision is hers."

The Sting board had always communicated with the players, Piper said. "None of them are professional athletes, they all have jobs and aspirations away from netball, so they will have to see what 2003 looks like for them and we'll sit down with them all, as we always do."

Piper said the challenge of keeping Sting on top was a constant one. "What this year has shown, regardless of what happens on Saturday, is that it's tough to keep winning, it's not easy to get there, but when you are on top you have everyone trying to knock you off, fifty-fifty calls don't go your way and teams lift themselves 15 percent.

"To keep the wolves at bay we need to keep looking at areas we are weak and areas we are strong and that's the process Rob (Broughton) and I go through."

Sting were always on the look out for players who would add value to the franchise on and off the court, he said. "It's a bit like Tania Dalton, she's been a great asset on the court, but off the court she has fitted in fantastically well and has been really welcomed in Southland and enjoyed her time here."

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